The D-Link DIR-825 Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit Router provides some remarkable capabilities and overall good performance at a very reasonable price.

The D-Link DIR-825 Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit Router is one of the brainiest routers I've tested at PCMag.com's labs. D-Link has thrown in a USB port with 3G wireless capability, simultaneous dual 2.4-GHz- and 5-GHz-band Wi-Fi mixed mode, power-saving green technologies, and an abundance of configurable features that should satisfy the most demanding personal networks. I found the router's performance excellent when I tested it close to the Wi-Fi source. The connection was a little less impressive but still quite good at longer distances. You get all this for just $169.99 (direct)that's highly competitive for such a fully loaded router.

The router retains the classic D-Link look. It has a sleek, white case wrapped on the sides and front by a black plastic band. Across the face, cool blue LEDs that peer through the band indicate the status of the WAN connection, the four LAN links, the broadcast bands (2.4 and 5 GHz), and more. An easily missed Wi-Fi Protected Setup button on the right-hand side lets you quickly configure security for connections with other devices that support WPS. In the back, two adjustable antennas sprout near the left- and right-hand corners. In between them lies the block of Gigabit Ethernet ports, a WAN and a USB connector, a recessed reset button, and a power connector. As with other routers in the RangeBooster family, the USB port lets you hook up a printer or hard drive.

To share the USB-connected hardware, network devices must have D-Link's proprietary SharePort utility installed, but the process is quick and easy. The developers have done a marvelous job of perfecting the technology: It works flawlessly, and whatever you plug into the USB port appears as a local device. Do note that some USB hard drives get their power through a second USB port; I'd recommend opting for those that get their juice from an electrical outlet.

Few routers in this class allow device sharing via a USB port (the AirPort Extreme 802.11n is one notable exception). Fewer still offer the DIR-825's built-in cell-modem supporta major asset that can be a life saver for a small business. You can connect a USB EV-DO card into the USB port so that the card works as if it was connected to your PC. The capability not only makes this an exceptionally portable router, it supplies a fallback Internet connection for your whole network should your WAN link die. You might not want to pay EV-DO rates for everyone on your network for very long, but having EV-DO capability can be a lifesaver if you've got mission-critical data to transmit.Next: Installation and Features

D-Link DIR-825 Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit Router

excellent

Bottom Line: The D-Link DIR-825 Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit Router provides some remarkable capabilities and overall good performance at a very reasonable price.

About the Author

Mario Morejon is PCMag’s Lead Analyst for Networking and Small Business. In addition to maintaining the network infrastructure at PCMag Labs, Mario tests all sorts of software and hardware tools that help small business get bigger.

D-Link DIR-825 Xtreme N Dual Ba...

D-Link DIR-825 Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit Router

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